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My Rustic Garden

In trying to describe my garden, I decided a few years ago it was a cottage garden, but also a rustic garden. As I always do, I became to soak in the meaning of each by searching and reading. I came up with a list of words that describe a cottage garden and a list of words that describe a rustic garden. To my surprise, my garden was much more rustic than I realized! When I first thought about rustic, my mind went to, of course, 'rust' or things that were weathered and old, but a rustic garden is so much more than that.

I had imagined a video in my mind to record all the rustic attributes in my garden, but this video turned out nothing like I imagined it. It is what it is. I hope folks enjoy it regardless. I decided that a 'rustic garden' is more about the things you put in the garden, being the objects that enhance the garden, and a 'cottage garden' is more about the plants and flowers themselves. I plan to record about the cottage garden next Spring.

I do try to keep my garden less of a cluttered look and not so gaudy. I prefer to have objects that are subtle. I like that people, including myself, can walk through the garden and see something they did not see before every time they take a stroll. If you can see everything on the first stroll, there is nothing left to surprise the soul. It causes us to pause and ponder and reflect.

Dated September 7, 2023.

Here is a list of the words and phrases that describe a rustic garden, which I review one by one in the above video.

Rustic Garden Description

Focused on repurposed materials and objects

Reclaimed wood

Old bricks or bricks with chips, dents, patina, moss, and lichen

Natural materials of stone, clay, iron, and unprocessed wood (natural feel)

Subdued muted colors

Earthy colors with pops of color

Homey, undone look

Unplanned, relaxing, nonchalant

Vintage, salvaged, and painted

Charming and never dull

Asymmetry and winding

Imperfection and unkempt

Random assortment

Mismatched pots

Hanging planter baskets

Birdhouses and miniature homes

Embrace your creative side through art

Textiles of jute, burlap, and canvas

Adding personality, character, and imagination

Creative and expressive

Laid back and informal

Always evolving

Full of surprises

Alfresco lounge area

Impromptu displays

Sit and soak up your surroundings

Quirky signs and favorite phrases

Lift the mood

Give old furniture new life instead of throwing it away

Mix of creative and practical

Everyday object used to make seating areas comfy

Unique look

Create height and structure, never falling flat

Obelisks and trellises

Elements exposed to wind, rain, and sunshine for patina

Let nature take its course

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